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Run
Run by Mandasue Heller is a gritty story of Manchester's criminal underworld.
After being cheated on by her ex, Leanne Riley is trying her hardest to get her life back on track, which isn't easy without a job and living in a bedsit surrounded by a junkie and a mad woman.
On a night out with her best friend she meets Jake, a face from her past who has changed beyond all recognition. Jake is charming, handsome and loaded, a far cry from the gawky teenager he used to be. Weary of men, Leanne isn't easy to please, but Jake tries his best to break through the wall she's built around herself.
But good looks and money can hide a multitude of sins. Is that good-looking face just a mask? And what's more, what will it take to make it slip, and who will die in the process . . . ?
After being cheated on by her ex, Leanne Riley is trying her hardest to get her life back on track, which isn't easy without a job and living in a bedsit surrounded by a junkie and a mad woman.
On a night out with her best friend she meets Jake, a face from her past who has changed beyond all recognition. Jake is charming, handsome and loaded, a far cry from the gawky teenager he used to be. Weary of men, Leanne isn't easy to please, but Jake tries his best to break through the wall she's built around herself.
But good looks and money can hide a multitude of sins. Is that good-looking face just a mask? And what's more, what will it take to make it slip, and who will die in the process . . . ?
407 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 2016
198 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
Mandasue Heller
37 books447 followersMandasue was born in Cheshire and moved to Manchester in 1982. She spent ten years living in the notorious Hulme Crescents which have since become the background to her novels. Not only is she a talented writer, but she has also sung in cabaret and rock groups, seventies soul cover bands and blues jam bands.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
November 28, 2018
I snuggled down to read this on the evening whilst the male members of my household (hubby and son) watched football and daughter was watching catchup TV.
I own several of this authors books but this is the only one I’ve read so far, simply because it’s a review copy.
Leanne is not ready to get involved with another relationship, she’s just split from her ex recently.
But there’s this handsome specimen over there.....
It turns out they were at school together. She didn’t recognise him due to his change of appearance, god, he never used to look like that!
Jake.
He’s has a secret crush on Leanne before who knows when.
This is based around Manchester, UK. It’s gritty and raw.
The first half of the book you’d be forgiven in thinking it’s a romance. It gradually changes tempo.
I really liked this read. I’d give it 3.7 as it’s calmer mildly less gritty as it’s been predicted to be.
Nevertheless, I did like it
I own several of this authors books but this is the only one I’ve read so far, simply because it’s a review copy.
Leanne is not ready to get involved with another relationship, she’s just split from her ex recently.
But there’s this handsome specimen over there.....
It turns out they were at school together. She didn’t recognise him due to his change of appearance, god, he never used to look like that!
Jake.
He’s has a secret crush on Leanne before who knows when.
This is based around Manchester, UK. It’s gritty and raw.
The first half of the book you’d be forgiven in thinking it’s a romance. It gradually changes tempo.
I really liked this read. I’d give it 3.7 as it’s calmer mildly less gritty as it’s been predicted to be.
Nevertheless, I did like it
January 2, 2017
Leanne Riley is trying to get her life back on track after being cheated on by her ex. She has no money and no job and is living in a bed sit whose other residents are a junkie and a madwoman.
On a night out with her best friend Chrissie, she meets Jake a face from the past but she does not recognise at first as he has changed from the geeky boy she knew at school.
This is another fantastic book by Mandasue Heller.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Pan MacMillian and the author Mandasue Heller for my ARC in exchange for an honest review
On a night out with her best friend Chrissie, she meets Jake a face from the past but she does not recognise at first as he has changed from the geeky boy she knew at school.
This is another fantastic book by Mandasue Heller.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Pan MacMillian and the author Mandasue Heller for my ARC in exchange for an honest review
February 7, 2017
I've always read great reviews on Mandasue Heller's books and I have some in my library, but I'm ashamed to say that I have never found the time to read any of them. So when the publishers very gently offered me an advanced review copy of her new thriller, Run, I immediately jumped at the opportunity.
Imagine a beautiful sunny day, with blue skies and white fluffy clouds, flowers and green grass swaying in the gentle breeze ... just a perfect day! All of a sudden, thunders crack and lightning strike. The wind picks up and dark grey clouds appear out of nowhere, ruining the day and blotting the sun. Well, in my head I compared Leanne's story in this book to this scenario. Just as quickly a beautiful day turns ugly, so can someone's happy, perfect life.
"When the darkness comes, run and don't look back."
On a night out, Leanne meets the most handsome man she'd ever seen in her life. She's surprised to find out that they had actually been classmates many years before. But Leanne's recollection of Jake couldn't have been more different. The drop-dead gorgeous man in front of her is certainly a far cry from the bullied, skinny boy with wild hair she remembers.
Jake had always been secretly in love with Leanne and he had never forgotten about her, but Leanne has just been cheated by her ex boyfriend and so is not too keen to jump into a new relationship. However, after a few initial hiccups, Leanne is swept up in a whirlwind romance with the wealthy, successful and gorgeous Jake. Leanne has never been so happy, but deep down she feels it's too good to be true. Could this happiness last forever? Could Jake really be the perfect man he seems to be? Why is he so secretive about his past? And why doesn't he ever say where he's going when he leaves the house alone?
Set in Manchester, and packed with lies, secrets, violence, sex and murder, 'Run' kicks off with a suspenseful chapter, that immediately draws the reader in, urging them to keep on reading to find out what's happening. Whose body is found in the derelict building?
More focused on character development and descriptions, the first half of the book contains little tension and drama. At times it almost feels like reading a romance, but here I don't want to sound as though I didn't enjoy this part. I knew that the author was preparing the ground for something terrible that's about to happen. I knew that a volcano brimming with magma was brewing just beneath the surface, waiting to erupt and cause mayhem. I just wished that the suspense was more widespread throughout the book, as the real drama picks up only late in the story, but when it does, it takes the reader by surprise and does not stop till the blood-curdling ending.
I think the author's forte is characterisation. Leanne, Chrissie, Ben and Jake (and the other characters) all felt so real. I could clearly visualise them and it was as though I've known them for ages. With his big heart, Ben was by far my favourite. I admired him for his continuous support for Jake and the girls. He was actually too loyal for his own good. And I just wished I'd experienced friendships as solid and strong as that between Leanne and Chrissie.
With excellent characterisation, a clever, well thought-out plot, very realistic dialogues, great vivid descriptions and breath taking suspense, I really enjoyed reading this book and found myself completely immersed in the story. My only problem was that I had to work extra hours all week and found myself thinking about these characters, wondering what will happen next and longing to go home and grab my kindle, instead of concentrating on my work.
Now I have already checked out Mandasue Heller's bibliography. I want to read more books by this fab author.
This was my unbiased honest opinion. With thanks to Pan Macmillan for an ARC of this book which I voluntarily and gratefully accepted.
Imagine a beautiful sunny day, with blue skies and white fluffy clouds, flowers and green grass swaying in the gentle breeze ... just a perfect day! All of a sudden, thunders crack and lightning strike. The wind picks up and dark grey clouds appear out of nowhere, ruining the day and blotting the sun. Well, in my head I compared Leanne's story in this book to this scenario. Just as quickly a beautiful day turns ugly, so can someone's happy, perfect life.
"When the darkness comes, run and don't look back."
On a night out, Leanne meets the most handsome man she'd ever seen in her life. She's surprised to find out that they had actually been classmates many years before. But Leanne's recollection of Jake couldn't have been more different. The drop-dead gorgeous man in front of her is certainly a far cry from the bullied, skinny boy with wild hair she remembers.
Jake had always been secretly in love with Leanne and he had never forgotten about her, but Leanne has just been cheated by her ex boyfriend and so is not too keen to jump into a new relationship. However, after a few initial hiccups, Leanne is swept up in a whirlwind romance with the wealthy, successful and gorgeous Jake. Leanne has never been so happy, but deep down she feels it's too good to be true. Could this happiness last forever? Could Jake really be the perfect man he seems to be? Why is he so secretive about his past? And why doesn't he ever say where he's going when he leaves the house alone?
Set in Manchester, and packed with lies, secrets, violence, sex and murder, 'Run' kicks off with a suspenseful chapter, that immediately draws the reader in, urging them to keep on reading to find out what's happening. Whose body is found in the derelict building?
More focused on character development and descriptions, the first half of the book contains little tension and drama. At times it almost feels like reading a romance, but here I don't want to sound as though I didn't enjoy this part. I knew that the author was preparing the ground for something terrible that's about to happen. I knew that a volcano brimming with magma was brewing just beneath the surface, waiting to erupt and cause mayhem. I just wished that the suspense was more widespread throughout the book, as the real drama picks up only late in the story, but when it does, it takes the reader by surprise and does not stop till the blood-curdling ending.
I think the author's forte is characterisation. Leanne, Chrissie, Ben and Jake (and the other characters) all felt so real. I could clearly visualise them and it was as though I've known them for ages. With his big heart, Ben was by far my favourite. I admired him for his continuous support for Jake and the girls. He was actually too loyal for his own good. And I just wished I'd experienced friendships as solid and strong as that between Leanne and Chrissie.
With excellent characterisation, a clever, well thought-out plot, very realistic dialogues, great vivid descriptions and breath taking suspense, I really enjoyed reading this book and found myself completely immersed in the story. My only problem was that I had to work extra hours all week and found myself thinking about these characters, wondering what will happen next and longing to go home and grab my kindle, instead of concentrating on my work.
Now I have already checked out Mandasue Heller's bibliography. I want to read more books by this fab author.
This was my unbiased honest opinion. With thanks to Pan Macmillan for an ARC of this book which I voluntarily and gratefully accepted.
January 30, 2017
A rating of 4.5? This genuinely concerns me and also threatens Goodreads' credibility. This would have to be one of the worst books I've ever read - and I'm not prone to exaggeration.
The subject,so-called plot and storyline are ridiculously banal - the only reason I finished this book was because I was on holidays and there were no other book options available.
Do not bother, simply awful!
The subject,so-called plot and storyline are ridiculously banal - the only reason I finished this book was because I was on holidays and there were no other book options available.
Do not bother, simply awful!
January 3, 2017
Time taken to read - < 1 day
Pages - 400
Publisher - Pan MacMillan
Blurb from Goodreads
Run by Mandasue Heller is a gritty story of Manchester's criminal underworld, from the bestselling author of Afraid.
After being cheated on by her ex, Leanne Riley is trying her hardest to get her life back on track, which isn't easy without a job and living in a bedsit surrounded by a junkie and a mad woman.
On a night out with her best friend she meets Jake, a face from her past who has changed beyond all recognition. Jake is charming, handsome and loaded, a far cry from the gawky teenager he used to be. Weary of men, Leanne isn't easy to please, but Jake tries his best to break through that wall she's built around herself.
But good looks and money can hide a multitude of sins? Is that good-looking face just a mask? What's more, what will it take to make it slip, and who will die in the process...
My Review
Leanne is out with her best friend on a night out, trying to enjoy herself and forget her idiot ex who cheated on her. The last thing she expects is a face from the past and what a beautiful face it has become, enter Jake. Jake had been a scrawny kid but has now grown into a beautiful young man and appears successful, nice clothes, has money, he appears to have it all. Leanne takes a chance and Jake is everything she could have asked for, but is there more to Jake than meets the eye and harboring a secret that could threaten everything they have.
Oooh this is a good one, we have waited a while for Heller's newest release and it is worth the wait, Leanne lives in a pokey wee flat, life is a bit rubbish and then boom, hello Jake. Their relationship goes from strength to strength, he is charming, attentive and dishy. Leanna experiences problems with her neighbour, there is a dead body and things become dark and dangerous.
Run opens with a chapter that pulls you in, no clues to identities of the people in the scene and then opens with introductions to our characters. The story breaks down into relationships, person demons Leanne has to overcome after being hurt in her previous relationship and taking a leap of faith on this one. Sex, violence, friendship, love, betrayal, blackmail are just some of the topics covered. Heller creates characters the reader becomes vested in pretty much from page one, action packed with themes of grief and loss, some sexual content and violence hooks you quickly. Thanks so much to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this, 4/5 for me this time, if you haven't read Heller before you are in for a treat and I advise you to get her back catalogue which are all great reads too.
Pages - 400
Publisher - Pan MacMillan
Blurb from Goodreads
Run by Mandasue Heller is a gritty story of Manchester's criminal underworld, from the bestselling author of Afraid.
After being cheated on by her ex, Leanne Riley is trying her hardest to get her life back on track, which isn't easy without a job and living in a bedsit surrounded by a junkie and a mad woman.
On a night out with her best friend she meets Jake, a face from her past who has changed beyond all recognition. Jake is charming, handsome and loaded, a far cry from the gawky teenager he used to be. Weary of men, Leanne isn't easy to please, but Jake tries his best to break through that wall she's built around herself.
But good looks and money can hide a multitude of sins? Is that good-looking face just a mask? What's more, what will it take to make it slip, and who will die in the process...
My Review
Leanne is out with her best friend on a night out, trying to enjoy herself and forget her idiot ex who cheated on her. The last thing she expects is a face from the past and what a beautiful face it has become, enter Jake. Jake had been a scrawny kid but has now grown into a beautiful young man and appears successful, nice clothes, has money, he appears to have it all. Leanne takes a chance and Jake is everything she could have asked for, but is there more to Jake than meets the eye and harboring a secret that could threaten everything they have.
Oooh this is a good one, we have waited a while for Heller's newest release and it is worth the wait, Leanne lives in a pokey wee flat, life is a bit rubbish and then boom, hello Jake. Their relationship goes from strength to strength, he is charming, attentive and dishy. Leanna experiences problems with her neighbour, there is a dead body and things become dark and dangerous.
Run opens with a chapter that pulls you in, no clues to identities of the people in the scene and then opens with introductions to our characters. The story breaks down into relationships, person demons Leanne has to overcome after being hurt in her previous relationship and taking a leap of faith on this one. Sex, violence, friendship, love, betrayal, blackmail are just some of the topics covered. Heller creates characters the reader becomes vested in pretty much from page one, action packed with themes of grief and loss, some sexual content and violence hooks you quickly. Thanks so much to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this, 4/5 for me this time, if you haven't read Heller before you are in for a treat and I advise you to get her back catalogue which are all great reads too.
February 7, 2017
It's been a while since I have read a Mandasue book and I was looking forward to her latest release. I must confess having finished it I was a little surprised at the change in pace almost, it seemed to me that there was certainly a slightly different theme to her writing compared to other books she has released. That said, this was still a great read and I was certainly engrossed, although admittedly a little surprised.
Leanne Riley lives in a grotty bedsit, has little money, no job, and little prospects. Her life seemed to have taken a downhill turn after catching her bloke cheating on her and losing her job. Her friend Chrissie seems to be the only good and consistent thing in her life. When she goes on a rare night out she bumps into the very handsome Jake who it turns out she knew back at school. Her life suddenly looks a whole lot more interesting with a new man on the scene who is showing interest. Although she is wary of men Jake is literally a Prince Charming and it seems Leanne's luck has finally changed.
Leanne and Chrissie were great characters and very easy to read, I especially liked their obviously close friendship. Ben and Jake's friendship seemed a little one sided but I loved Ben and thought he was a real gem of a character. By the halfway mark I could have been mistaking this sort of book for one that fall sin the Romantic Suspense genre, however once past that point it all seems to change...and very quickly.
I won't say any more as it will inevitably spoil some great threads in the story line, suffice to say I was hooked with the plot and thoroughly enjoyed this latest release. I finished the book in a little over one and a half sittings and realised that although this was a slight departure from her usual style of writing, I really liked it. It almost keeps the work 'fresh' and instead of getting a dose of the 'usual', you get a variation of the usual which makes for a very refreshing change. Another great read with this new release and one that will no doubt tick the boxes for all her fans.
Leanne Riley lives in a grotty bedsit, has little money, no job, and little prospects. Her life seemed to have taken a downhill turn after catching her bloke cheating on her and losing her job. Her friend Chrissie seems to be the only good and consistent thing in her life. When she goes on a rare night out she bumps into the very handsome Jake who it turns out she knew back at school. Her life suddenly looks a whole lot more interesting with a new man on the scene who is showing interest. Although she is wary of men Jake is literally a Prince Charming and it seems Leanne's luck has finally changed.
Leanne and Chrissie were great characters and very easy to read, I especially liked their obviously close friendship. Ben and Jake's friendship seemed a little one sided but I loved Ben and thought he was a real gem of a character. By the halfway mark I could have been mistaking this sort of book for one that fall sin the Romantic Suspense genre, however once past that point it all seems to change...and very quickly.
I won't say any more as it will inevitably spoil some great threads in the story line, suffice to say I was hooked with the plot and thoroughly enjoyed this latest release. I finished the book in a little over one and a half sittings and realised that although this was a slight departure from her usual style of writing, I really liked it. It almost keeps the work 'fresh' and instead of getting a dose of the 'usual', you get a variation of the usual which makes for a very refreshing change. Another great read with this new release and one that will no doubt tick the boxes for all her fans.
February 7, 2017
Mandasue Heller is a new author to me and this urban thriller certainly packs a punch. With an opening chapter that pulls you right in, I knew that I was in for a treat.
Leanne Riley is down on her luck and living in a grotty flat when she meets Jake, an old school acquaintance who has carried a torch for her since then, on a night out with her best friend Chrissie. She is quite a guarded character due to being cheated on in the past but Jake soon wins her over. Jake appears to be the blue eyed boy of the tale but if something seems to good to be true...alarms bells were ringing for me!
Leanne's best friend Chrissie is central to the story; I'd go so far as to say it gives a "chick lit" (albeit a gritty one!) feel to the book. Their relationship and personal lives resulted in me investing in them both and waiting to see how they would cope with everything that was coming their way. They are both put through the mill throughout!
A book featuring sex, violence, drugs and betrayal but underneath all that is friendship and what people will do when they are pushed to the brink. Four stars from me.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher.
Leanne Riley is down on her luck and living in a grotty flat when she meets Jake, an old school acquaintance who has carried a torch for her since then, on a night out with her best friend Chrissie. She is quite a guarded character due to being cheated on in the past but Jake soon wins her over. Jake appears to be the blue eyed boy of the tale but if something seems to good to be true...alarms bells were ringing for me!
Leanne's best friend Chrissie is central to the story; I'd go so far as to say it gives a "chick lit" (albeit a gritty one!) feel to the book. Their relationship and personal lives resulted in me investing in them both and waiting to see how they would cope with everything that was coming their way. They are both put through the mill throughout!
A book featuring sex, violence, drugs and betrayal but underneath all that is friendship and what people will do when they are pushed to the brink. Four stars from me.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher.
April 15, 2020
Review to come.
January 6, 2017
All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com
I’m a huge fan of Mandasue Heller and have read every book she’s ever written so of course I jumped at the chance to get my hands on a copy of Run. As with any authors whose books I love I always worry that my “love affair” with them will come to an end when they release a new book, but my concerns were unfounded and I’m happy to report from the spine tingling prologue Mandasue Heller works her magic. There are a few authors who have the extraordinary gift of making the reader feel they are slap bang in the middle of the murky and dangerous criminal underworld and Mandasue Heller is one of them, everything about her writing, the location, dialogue and characters make her books credible and hard hitting.
I was surprised to find Run to be a slow burner, the first half of this book is very much character driven as Leanne falls for the charming, handsome and very well off Jake. The author spends a lot of time developing both Leanne and Jake’s character, from the off they appear to have the sort of relationship some people can only dream of but not everything is how it first appears. The second half was pure Mandasue Heller gritty, disturbing and gripping and I don’t think I’m giving anything away (as it’s all in the book description) by saying the transformation in Jake’s character makes for an exciting read. As the relationship between Leanne and Jake changes the author cranks up the pace leaving no room to draw breath and I found my heart racing as Run reached it’s dramatic conclusion .
I’m sure fans of Mandasue Heller are going to love this book as Run has all the hallmarks that fans of this author have come to love, she delivers a story of love, violence and treachery with gritty realism. Personally I wouldn’t say this wasn’t my favourite of the authors as in my humble opinion the story took a while to build up to the events that made the second part of the book a compulsive read, despite the slow start my “Lover affair” with Mandasue Heller continues and I would buy her next book without hesitation.
I’m a huge fan of Mandasue Heller and have read every book she’s ever written so of course I jumped at the chance to get my hands on a copy of Run. As with any authors whose books I love I always worry that my “love affair” with them will come to an end when they release a new book, but my concerns were unfounded and I’m happy to report from the spine tingling prologue Mandasue Heller works her magic. There are a few authors who have the extraordinary gift of making the reader feel they are slap bang in the middle of the murky and dangerous criminal underworld and Mandasue Heller is one of them, everything about her writing, the location, dialogue and characters make her books credible and hard hitting.
I was surprised to find Run to be a slow burner, the first half of this book is very much character driven as Leanne falls for the charming, handsome and very well off Jake. The author spends a lot of time developing both Leanne and Jake’s character, from the off they appear to have the sort of relationship some people can only dream of but not everything is how it first appears. The second half was pure Mandasue Heller gritty, disturbing and gripping and I don’t think I’m giving anything away (as it’s all in the book description) by saying the transformation in Jake’s character makes for an exciting read. As the relationship between Leanne and Jake changes the author cranks up the pace leaving no room to draw breath and I found my heart racing as Run reached it’s dramatic conclusion .
I’m sure fans of Mandasue Heller are going to love this book as Run has all the hallmarks that fans of this author have come to love, she delivers a story of love, violence and treachery with gritty realism. Personally I wouldn’t say this wasn’t my favourite of the authors as in my humble opinion the story took a while to build up to the events that made the second part of the book a compulsive read, despite the slow start my “Lover affair” with Mandasue Heller continues and I would buy her next book without hesitation.
May 15, 2018
wow I so love mandasue Heller books but this one was especially good lots of twists and turns right to the end. didn't want it to end
February 7, 2017
Run is the first book by Mandasue in two years not only is she back with her original publishers and never fails to disappoint. But she is back with a bang to say the least. I have been a fan of Mandasue for years and having read all of her books. Run is certainly worth the wait I loved it.
The story starts off with one cliffhanging Prologue giving me an OMG moment, which made me want to read more. Then we follow Leanne Riley on a journey who is trying to get her life back on track after being cheated on by her ex. Which most of us can relate to has this isn't a nice feeling at all. Making Leanne wary of men. On a night out with her best friend she meets hottie Jake. Leanne isn't easy to please, but Jake tries his best to break through the wall she's built around herself. But good looks and money can't hide a multitude of sins. Is that good-looking face just a mask? what is he hiding from his past? what's more, what will it take to make it slip, and who will die in the process . . . ?
Run is full of real life characters that are easy to relate to and Mandasue does a brilliant job of building the characters relationship up throughout the first half of the story. But oh my days what a tense and gritty second half of the story. I couldn't put it down this is certainly a page turner.
Set in Manchester this story is full of secrets, sandal, and murder exactly what you would expect to find in a Mandasue novel.
Seriously you guys are in for a treat, this is a must read which I highly recommend giving it 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Pan Macmillan and Netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story starts off with one cliffhanging Prologue giving me an OMG moment, which made me want to read more. Then we follow Leanne Riley on a journey who is trying to get her life back on track after being cheated on by her ex. Which most of us can relate to has this isn't a nice feeling at all. Making Leanne wary of men. On a night out with her best friend she meets hottie Jake. Leanne isn't easy to please, but Jake tries his best to break through the wall she's built around herself. But good looks and money can't hide a multitude of sins. Is that good-looking face just a mask? what is he hiding from his past? what's more, what will it take to make it slip, and who will die in the process . . . ?
Run is full of real life characters that are easy to relate to and Mandasue does a brilliant job of building the characters relationship up throughout the first half of the story. But oh my days what a tense and gritty second half of the story. I couldn't put it down this is certainly a page turner.
Set in Manchester this story is full of secrets, sandal, and murder exactly what you would expect to find in a Mandasue novel.
Seriously you guys are in for a treat, this is a must read which I highly recommend giving it 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Pan Macmillan and Netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2016
Once you start reading, it will be difficult to stop. So don't plan reading this if you have a busy day. You need a do not disturb sign on your door. You need to turn TV off, phones off/unplugged. and sit and enjoy.
Review to follow.
Review to follow.
August 21, 2018
4.5 stars
As usual Mandasue produced a great book with a nice twist. The characters were written about well and you either loved or hated them. If you're a fan of this author then you will enjoy this book.
As usual Mandasue produced a great book with a nice twist. The characters were written about well and you either loved or hated them. If you're a fan of this author then you will enjoy this book.
February 22, 2018
Not popular author with male population as all her books are from Female point of view & she often show just how bad men can be from Domestic Violence to utter mother---s
January 22, 2023
The way Mandasue Heller writes is brilliant! Her writing just flows and keeps readers engrossed in every page. There are no boring bits that you'd rather skip through, you're just eager to keep reading. The characters are totally believable and you can imagine exactly what they look like without Heller going into lengthy descriptions.
January 28, 2017
If you want a book that grips you from the first page read RUN.Just kept me reading and every page was a surprise has did not know how it was going to end. Madasue heller is a fantastic writer, waiting now for her next book to come out.
June 13, 2023
Started off slow, basically a romance.
And then bam.
There’s a quick turnaround and the shit hits the fan, but I really enjoyed the watching this story unfold.
More so because the two best friends are actually best friends and ain’t no man coming between them!
And then bam.
There’s a quick turnaround and the shit hits the fan, but I really enjoyed the watching this story unfold.
More so because the two best friends are actually best friends and ain’t no man coming between them!
September 5, 2019
A not very thrilling thriller with quite interesting characters, a violent interlude and a rushed ending.
November 8, 2019
I was quite disappointed with this book as I was expecting more action which didn't seem to be forthcoming till nearly the end. Even then I felt is that it?
January 13, 2017
My thanks to the publisher, Macmillan for an ARC of this FABULOUS book! Eeeeeeek!
Set in Manchester, readers will be faced with murder, betrayal, anger, loss, jealousy, love/relationships in Mandasue Heller’s true gritty style!
This is not a fast-paced read…initially. The plot is well developed through the characters and told from the third person POV. The storyline will have you intrigued throughout! And I love the prologue! The author hits the reader with a #KillerHook that grabs you by the throat! So much so, that you will just want to read it until the very end! #Unputdownable
The main character, Leanne Riley, has just come out of a bad relationship and sworn off men. She is likeable and relateable – you will find yourself really drawn to this character. She is really quite vulnerable, despite trying to hide this with a frosty exterior when a man shows her interest! But will she be taken for a fool again?
Jake Pearce at first glance is every girl’s dream. He is strong, intelligent, owns his own business and has a great personality. But he also has another side to him that is exposed and leaves the reader wondering whether or not he can actually be trusted. Has Leanne really found true love with Jake?
Two other characters that I adored were Ben and Chrissie. Ben is Jake’s best friend and loyal beyond belief. Chrissie is Leanne’s best friend and fiercely protective of her mates. These two really added that extra bit to the storyline. How far will they go for their friendships?
There were many interesting characters that will unnerve you, make you laugh, pull at your emotions – exactly what I look for in crime fiction! I particularily loved the fact that I was “comfortably” drawn into this book, immersed in the characters when OMFG, Mandasue Heller kicked my feet out from under me with twist after twist! No holds barred! Loved that!
Would I recommend you read this? Hell Yeah, I would! If you want unsuspecting intensity, wrapped in a real, gritty crime thriller….then stop reading this and grab yourself a copy!
Set in Manchester, readers will be faced with murder, betrayal, anger, loss, jealousy, love/relationships in Mandasue Heller’s true gritty style!
This is not a fast-paced read…initially. The plot is well developed through the characters and told from the third person POV. The storyline will have you intrigued throughout! And I love the prologue! The author hits the reader with a #KillerHook that grabs you by the throat! So much so, that you will just want to read it until the very end! #Unputdownable
The main character, Leanne Riley, has just come out of a bad relationship and sworn off men. She is likeable and relateable – you will find yourself really drawn to this character. She is really quite vulnerable, despite trying to hide this with a frosty exterior when a man shows her interest! But will she be taken for a fool again?
Jake Pearce at first glance is every girl’s dream. He is strong, intelligent, owns his own business and has a great personality. But he also has another side to him that is exposed and leaves the reader wondering whether or not he can actually be trusted. Has Leanne really found true love with Jake?
Two other characters that I adored were Ben and Chrissie. Ben is Jake’s best friend and loyal beyond belief. Chrissie is Leanne’s best friend and fiercely protective of her mates. These two really added that extra bit to the storyline. How far will they go for their friendships?
There were many interesting characters that will unnerve you, make you laugh, pull at your emotions – exactly what I look for in crime fiction! I particularily loved the fact that I was “comfortably” drawn into this book, immersed in the characters when OMFG, Mandasue Heller kicked my feet out from under me with twist after twist! No holds barred! Loved that!
Would I recommend you read this? Hell Yeah, I would! If you want unsuspecting intensity, wrapped in a real, gritty crime thriller….then stop reading this and grab yourself a copy!
December 18, 2016
This book is absolutely FANTASTIC!! Another amazing book from Mandasue Heller.
I am huge fan of all her previous books and I've recommended her books to lots of friends over the years and to my Mum who are now also fans. So I was super excited to read an early copy of her latest book Run and was not disappointed. I started it on a Friday and finished it Saturday night as I just could not put down.
Mandasue doesn't disappoint with her ability to write a gripping page-turner, Run is a brilliant story set in Manchester, gritty and powerful and just grabs you and leaves you wanting more. The portrayal of all the characters makes you feel that you know them personally and they have stayed with me after finishing the book.
If you enjoy books by Kimberley Chambers and Jessie Keane etc, then you don't want to miss this one. Highly recommended and I can't wait for Mandasue's next book.
I am huge fan of all her previous books and I've recommended her books to lots of friends over the years and to my Mum who are now also fans. So I was super excited to read an early copy of her latest book Run and was not disappointed. I started it on a Friday and finished it Saturday night as I just could not put down.
Mandasue doesn't disappoint with her ability to write a gripping page-turner, Run is a brilliant story set in Manchester, gritty and powerful and just grabs you and leaves you wanting more. The portrayal of all the characters makes you feel that you know them personally and they have stayed with me after finishing the book.
If you enjoy books by Kimberley Chambers and Jessie Keane etc, then you don't want to miss this one. Highly recommended and I can't wait for Mandasue's next book.
February 19, 2018
I enjoyed this book, though I have to say it came across as more of a romance/drama at the start as opposed to a 'gripping crime thriller.' The characters were well drawn but much emphasis seemed to be on the developing relationship between the main characters and with little action until about 70% through. It trundled along at a nice enough pace to keep me interested, since there was definitely something shady about Jake. But I won't spoil it. The final third had me gripped to the end.
After reading 'Tainted Lives' by the same author, I'm sad to say 'Run' fell a little short of my expectations. I found it tame by comparison, not nearly so gritty and with a somewhat abrupt ending.
What I would describe as a quick and easy read.
After reading 'Tainted Lives' by the same author, I'm sad to say 'Run' fell a little short of my expectations. I found it tame by comparison, not nearly so gritty and with a somewhat abrupt ending.
What I would describe as a quick and easy read.
May 20, 2017
If he seems to good to be true, he probably is!
The first chapter had me hooked. So much so I put my phone on aeroplane mode, made a cup of tea and got comfortable on the sofa knowing full well that I wouldn't be moving for some time. When I next looked up it was getting dark and I was at 62%!
I really liked that the characters felt like real people living real, everyday lives. Although I did feel for the main character Leanne, I did find myself wanting to shake her for being so naive! Love really does blind you.
A great standalone. 4.5 stars from me
Thanks to Macmillan for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The first chapter had me hooked. So much so I put my phone on aeroplane mode, made a cup of tea and got comfortable on the sofa knowing full well that I wouldn't be moving for some time. When I next looked up it was getting dark and I was at 62%!
I really liked that the characters felt like real people living real, everyday lives. Although I did feel for the main character Leanne, I did find myself wanting to shake her for being so naive! Love really does blind you.
A great standalone. 4.5 stars from me
Thanks to Macmillan for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 13, 2017
I have read and enjoyed every one of Mandasue's books. They are full of tension and fear, but this one wasn't as good in the fact the story didn't seem to go anywhere particularly. Yet it was still a good read and flowed really well. Leanne and Jake knew each other as children when Jake was a weedy lad and Leanne one of the most popular girls in the school. They meet again as adults while Leanne is getting over her boyfriend cheating on her. Quickly they fall in love and Leanne moves in with him. Jake is rich and besotted with her but is he all that he seems?
April 22, 2025
RUN by Mandasue Heller
Fineshed 12th January
Book Review 📖
☆☆☆☆
This book was a really good page turner
Leanne has recently broke up with her cheating ex boyfriend with no money and living in a awful bedsit she doesn't know what she is going to do next...
Then on a girls night out with her best friend chrissie she bumps into someone she knew from school then it turns quickly into a whirlwind romance..
But is it too good to be true and what dark secrets is her boyfriend hiding from her?
*Definitely a recommended read*
Fineshed 12th January
Book Review 📖
☆☆☆☆
This book was a really good page turner
Leanne has recently broke up with her cheating ex boyfriend with no money and living in a awful bedsit she doesn't know what she is going to do next...
Then on a girls night out with her best friend chrissie she bumps into someone she knew from school then it turns quickly into a whirlwind romance..
But is it too good to be true and what dark secrets is her boyfriend hiding from her?
*Definitely a recommended read*
January 24, 2022
Insipid. Have read quite a few of Mandasue’s books which are usually page turners. Was this her first attempt in her teens that she recently found and dusted off? That’s what it feels like. So slow and storyline goes nowhere until the last 20 pages. My new year’s resolution after reading this is not to waste time reading books like this to the end.
March 1, 2017
A good modern story of love, betrayal and jealously. Loved it and the characters Jake, Leanne, Christine and Ben. A while since I have read Mandasue Heller - search out more of her back catalogue.
April 16, 2017
I read this book in less than 24 hours I couldn't put it down. There where a few let downs though, I was expecting more of a story
August 7, 2017
What started off as another family type saga story slowly built in tension until it turned on its heel and became thriller. It was an enjoyable read with good construction of characters.
August 16, 2018
Definitely kept me intrigued. Of course we all want to know what happens with the hot guy she meets and how that unfolds. Didn't expect the ending.
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